23 Booking and Funding Your Travel and Accommodation
Rural Pharmacy Student Placement Allowance (RPSPA)
The RPSPA is a valuable program designed to support positive rural and remote placement experiences for pharmacy students, with the aim of encouraging graduates to return to rural and remote communities.
The program provides up to $3000 to eligible placements, including GST. You can find information on the program and the program rules, here.
Check Your Eligibility First
Before applying for funding through the RPSPA Program, please note:
- You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Your placement must be confirmed in InPlace
- International students are not eligible for this funding
- Airfares are not approved for 5-day placements for any students
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, you should still review the Other Accommodation Options section below.
Funding Limits and Budget Guidelines
Important: Please review these financial parameters and rules before researching quotes.
- Funding Cap: RPSPA funding is capped at $3,000 (including GST). Students must choose the most economical transport and accommodation options.
- Accommodation Budget: We suggest a budget of $100 to $250 per night.
- 5-star accommodation, or accommodation not in the spirit of the funding, will not be approved.
- Safety Standards: Student safety is a priority. Avoid backpacker hostels or accommodation above pubs.
Group Travel and Carpooling
If you are travelling with other students, specific rules apply:
- Accommodation: Choose accommodation appropriate to your group size (e.g., 2-bedroom options for two students).
- Each student must submit a claim for their portion.
- Accommodation quotes must list all student names.
- Driving: If driving with others, ONLY the vehicle owner may claim fuel costs. Passengers are not eligible to claim fuel or travel costs if they are not the owner of the vehicle used.
Transport and Safety
- If you will not have your own transport: Ensure your accommodation is within safe walking or cycling distance of your placement site. Public transport is often limited in rural areas.
- If driving: Review the Faculty advice regarding safety on placement.
What You Can Claim
You may be eligible to claim reimbursement for:
- Accommodation: (including Airbnb)
- Accommodation is reimbursed only for placement dates.
- If travelling more than 3 hours, you may claim the night before placement starts and the night placement finishes.
- Flights: (excluding 5-day placements)
- Train or bus tickets
- Taxi or rideshare fares: From main transport to accommodation (e.g., airport transfers).
- Private vehicle fuel costs:
- Travel from your home to the placement location and return.
- Note: Car hire, tolls, and fuel used while on placement are not reimbursable.
- Fuel is calculated from the driver’s home address to accommodation and return.
How to Apply for Funding
Do not book or pay for any travel or accommodation until you receive approval.
- Research your options: Obtain quotes online or through a travel agent.
- Submit Application: Submit your Pre-Placement Funding Application Form via StudentHub and attach all required quotes.
- Await Approval: You will receive an email from the School confirming your approved amount. An Expense Claim Form will be provided at this stage.
Booking and Reimbursement
- Book: Once approved, students must book and pay for their own travel and accommodation.
- Claim: Complete the Expense Claim Form provided.
- Submit: Email the completed form with proof of payment including your full name, to placements@pharmacy.uq.edu.au.
If submitted correctly, reimbursement is typically processed within 10 to 15 working days.
After Your Placement
Important! You must complete the Post-Placement Mandatory Reports on StudentHub within 14 days of returning from placement.
Refer to the ATO website for information on eligible deductions and travel diary requirements (they have a good example).
Review the provided example travel diary
Other Accommodation Options
Queensland Health
Some Queensland Health facilities offer free student accommodation. Check availability before booking private accommodation.
- South West region (eg Quilpie, Charleville, Roma):
SWHHS_Student_Placements@health.qld.gov.au - Darling Downs region (eg Toowoomba, Kingaroy):
Contact your WIL Partnership Coordinator
South Queensland Rural Health (SQRH)
- Free accommodation available for UQ students in selected locations
- Eligibility and application details are available on the SQRH accommodation webpage
Murtupuni Centre for Rural and Remote Health (CCRH)
- Accommodation available for placements in:
- Mt Isa, Weipa, Normanton, Longreach
University Centre for Rural Health (UCRH)
- Heavily subsidised accommodation available for placements in the Northern Rivers region
Australian Homestay Network
- Affordable accommodation options across Australia (approx. $200 per week)
- Available to all students, including:
- International students
- Students not eligible for RPSPA
- MM2 placements
